Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatSpeed@aol.com) on Thu Aug 12 12:54:26 2004

>>> Is it safe to say that THT and loading don't go together to well?

If the initiation of the swing is to hard or there is to much cocking, stretching, and locking into the launch position, the initiation of the swing will not allow you to apply THT?

I see where I'm going with this?

I would like some feedback on this subject as I plan to practice swinging a bat.

Do you feel the way Alex is winding it up a little in the clip I showed prevents THT being applied prior to or at initiation. To much of a forward force being created? <<<

Hi Shawn

First, let me say I may not interpret the term “loading” the same as you. I see hitters like Bonds and Sosa using THT to accelerate the bat-head back as they prepare their launch positions (inward-turn, “cocking, stretching, and locking into the launch position). During pre-launch much of the pulling back of the top-hand comes from shoulder adduction pulling the elbow back toward the third base dugout (loading). -- During initiation, shoulder rotation and the lowering of the elbow cause the direction of the pulling back of the top-hand to start arcing around toward the first base dugout. As you point out, this can vary according to the batter’s pre-launch style and pitch location.

This probably does not fully answer your question. However, once I understand why you feel loading (as you define it) inhibits THT, we can further discuss it.

Shawn, I think you have seen the demonstration of THT where I use a 7 iron or fungal bat? The demo would be too difficult to describe here. But, if you would take another look at it, I think you will see basically the same swing mechanics for applying THT as Alex and Jeter (sp) exhibit.

Jack Mankin